Ear Cleaning For Dogs

Check your dog's ears on a weekly
basis. You want to make sure there is no inflammation, nasty odor, or redness
around the ear flaps. If you suspect inflammation, take your dog to the vet.

You can clean the excess dirt
with a cotton ball moistened with mineral oil or alcohol. If you use a cotton
swab, make sure you can always see the cotton end, and keep the swab pointed
down, not towards the head. Also, be very careful not to push debris back into
the ear canal.

If your dog scratches or shakes
his head often, you should check for ear mites. These crablike creatures are
difficult to see, but you should look for the debris they leave behind - a
brownish black discharge that look like coffee grounds. Take your dog to the vet
to confirm. Your vet will then direct you on how to use the ear drops to rid
your dog of these pests.